Telescoping truck bed shell

ABSTRACT

A telescoping truck bed shell is disclosed herein. The truck bed shell is capable of being retracted so that the user can have full access to the truck bed and also extended so that the user can have a protected volume at the truck bed in order to store things. The telescoping truck bed has traversable frames and a traversable cover wherein the frames and cover may be traversed between extended and retracted positions depending on whether the truck bed shell is being deployed or stored.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 17/089,460,filed on 2020 Nov. 4, which claims the benefits of Prov. Pat. App. Ser.No. 62/930,492, filed on 2019 Nov. 4 and is a continuation in partapplication of Ser. No. 16/536,751, filed on 2019 Aug. 9, now U.S. Pat.No. 11,084,360, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/174,090, filed on 2018 Oct. 29, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,414,258,which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/000,570, filed on 2018 Jun. 5, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,493,831,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/686,006,filed on 2017 Aug. 24, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,005,347, which is acontinuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/656,989, filed on 2017 Jul. 21, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,783,030, which isa continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/478,138, filed on 2017 Apr. 3, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,744,836, theentire content of all of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The various aspects and embodiments described herein relate to a truckbed shell.

Trucks are one of the most popular types of vehicles being sold in theUnited States and abroad. Users will accessorize the truck with avariety of functional components in order to fit their lifestyle andneeds. However, in doing so, they may add certain functionality but alsodisable other functional aspects of the truck.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improvement in accessorizingtrucks.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The various aspects and embodiments described herein address thedeficiencies discussed above, discussed below and those that are knownin the art.

A truck bed shell is disclosed herein which has two differentconfigurations. A collapsed configuration wherein the user may have fullaccess to the truck bed and a deployed configuration wherein the usermay have a protective covering over the truck bed in order to providefor an enclosed protected volume to store things. The truck bed shellmay have a plurality of frames that are traversable between retractedand extended positions that provide protection to sides of the truck bedwhen the frames are in the extended position. The truck bed shell mayalso have a cover that is traversable between retracted and extendedpositions that provide protection to a top side of the truck bed whenthe cover is in the extended position.

More particularly, a truck with a collapsible shell is disclosed. Thetruck may have a cab defining a roof and a truck bed defining first andsecond side walls and a tailgate. The collapsible shell may have aplurality of first frames and a plurality of second frames and thecover. The plurality of first frames may be stackable adjacent to eachother. The plurality of first frames may be mounted to the first sidewall. The plurality of first frames may be traversable between a storedposition wherein the plurality of first frames are stackable adjacent toeach other and an extended position wherein the plurality of secondframes are disposed end to end with each other. The plurality of secondframes may be stackable adjacent to each other. The plurality of secondframes may be mounted to the second side wall. The plurality of secondframes may be traversable between a stored position wherein theplurality of second frames are stackable adjacent to each other and anextended position wherein the plurality of second frames are disposedend to end with each other. The cover may be traversable between astored position and an extended position wherein in the stored position,the cover is disposed above the roof of the cab and in the extendedposition, the cover is engaged to the plurality of first and secondframes to form an enclosed space at the bed of the truck.

When the cover is in the stored position and the plurality of first andsecond frames are in the stored position, a full length of the truck bedis usable. When the cover is in the extended position and the pluralityof first and second frames are in the extended position, the shell formsa covered interior volume over the truck bed.

The truck may further comprise a plurality of panels. Each of the panelsmay be attachable to the first and second frame to provide a barrier.

The truck may further comprise first and second tracks mounted to thefirst and second side walls and a plurality of first and second slidersmounted to the plurality of first and second frames. The plurality offirst and second sliders may be slidably engaged to the first and secondtracks.

The truck may further comprise a shield disposed over the cover when thecover is in the stored position over the roof of the cab. The shield maybe traversable between an open position and a closed position whereinwhen the shield is in the open position, the cover may be traversablefrom the stored position to the extended position. The shield mayprovide an aerodynamic surface over the cover when the shield is in theclosed position. The shield may be rotatably attached to the roof of thecab.

The plurality of first and second frames may be panels.

In another aspect, a collapsible shell may be attachable to a truck. Thecollapsible shell may comprise a plurality of first frames, a pluralityof second frames and the cover. The plurality of first frames may bestackable adjacent to each other. The plurality of first frames may bemountable to a first side wall of a bed of the truck. The plurality offirst frames may be traversable between a stored position wherein theplurality of first frames are stackable adjacent to each other and anextended position wherein the plurality of second frames are disposedend to end with each other. The plurality of second frames may bestackable adjacent to each other. The plurality of second frames may bemountable to a second side wall of the bed of the truck. The pluralityof second frames may be traversable between a stored position whereinthe plurality of second frames are stackable adjacent to each other andan extended position wherein the plurality of second frames are disposedend to end with each other. The cover may be traversable between astored position and an extended position wherein in the stored positionand during use, the cover is disposed above a roof of the cab and in theextended position. The cover may be engagable to the plurality of firstand second frames to form an enclosed space at the bed of the truck.

When the cover is in the stored position and the plurality of first andsecond frames are in the stored position during use, a full length ofthe truck bed is accessible, and when the cover is in the extendedposition and the plurality of first and second frames are in theextended position during use, the shell forms a covered interior volumeover the truck bed.

The collapsible shell may further comprising a plurality of panels. Eachpanel may be attachable to the first and second frame to provide abarrier.

The collapsible shell may comprise first and second tracks mountable tothe first and second side walls and a plurality of first and secondsliders mounted to the plurality of first and second frames. Theplurality of first and second sliders may be slidably engaged to thefirst and second tracks during use.

The collapsible shell may further comprise a shield attachable to thecab and disposable over the cover when the cover is in the storedposition over the roof of the cab during use.

The shield may be traversable between an open position and a closedposition. The cover may be traversable from the stored position to theextended position, and also from the extended position back to thestored position when the shield is on the open position. The shield mayprovide an aerodynamic shield over the cover when the cover is in thestored position.

The shield may be rotatably attached to the roof of the cab during useof the collapsible shell.

The plurality of first and second frames may be panels.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a truck with acollapsible shell. The truck includes a cab defining a roof and a truckbed defining first and second side walls. A first rigid member ismounted to the first and second side walls. A second rigid member isslidably mounted to the first and second side walls, with the secondrigid member being transitional between a deployed position and acollapsed position along a slide axis. The second rigid member movestoward the first rigid member as the second rigid member transitionsfrom the deployed position toward the collapsed position. The secondrigid member moves away from the first rigid member as the second rigidmember transitions from the collapsed position toward the deployedposition. The truck additionally includes a plurality of telescopingsupport structures, with each telescoping support structure beingconnected to the first rigid member and the second rigid member andextending in a direction parallel to the slide axis. The plurality oftelescoping support structures collapse as the second rigid membertransitions from the deployed position toward the collapsed position.The plurality of telescoping support structures expand as the secondrigid member transitions from the collapsed position toward the deployedposition. A window is detachably engageable with the second rigidmember.

The second rigid member and the truck bed may define a window openingwhen the second rigid member is in the deployed position, The window maybe sized to be complimentary in shape to the window opening so as toextend between the second rigid member and the truck bed when the secondrigid member is in the deployed position. The truck bed may include atailgate, with the tailgate defining a portion of the window openingsuch that the window may extend to the tailgate when the second rigidmember is in the deployed position and the window is engaged with thesecond rigid member.

The first rigid member may be mounted solely to the truck bed.

The first rigid member may not be directly attached to the cab when thefirst rigid member is mounted to the truck bed.

The truck may additionally include a shell extending between the firstand second rigid members. The truck may further comprise a pair ofattachment members connected to respective ones of the first and secondside walls, and the pair of attachment members may be selectivelyengageable with the shell to couple the shell to the first and secondside walls. The shell and the pair of attachment members may includecooperatively engageable snaps to effectuate engagement of the shell tothe pair of attachment members. The shell and the pair of attachmentmembers may include cooperatively engageable zipper portions toeffectuate engagement of the shell to the pair of attachment members.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a truck with acollapsible shell. The truck comprises a cab defining a roof and a truckbed defining first and second side walls. A first rigid member ismounted solely to the first and second side walls. A second rigid memberis slidably mounted to the first and second side walls. The second rigidmember is transitional between a deployed position and a collapsedposition along a slide axis. The second rigid member moves toward thefirst rigid member as the second rigid member transitions from thedeployed position toward the collapsed position, and the second rigidmember moves away from the first rigid member as the second rigid membertransitions from the collapsed position toward the deployed position. Ashell extends between the first and second rigid members. A plurality ofsupport structures interface with the shell to provide support to theshell. A window is engageable with the second rigid member.

According to a further implementation, there is provided a cover for usewith a truck having a cab and a truck bed including a pair of sidewalls, with the cover comprising a first rigid member mountable to thefirst and second side walls. A second rigid member is slidably mountableto the first and second side walls, with the second rigid member beingtransitional between a deployed position and a collapsed position alonga slide axis. The second rigid member moves toward the first rigidmember as the second rigid member transitions from the deployed positiontoward the collapsed position, and the second rigid member moves awayfrom the first rigid member as the second rigid member transitions fromthe collapsed position toward the deployed position. The coveradditionally includes a plurality of telescoping support structures.Each telescoping support structure is connected to the first rigidmember and the second rigid member and extends in a direction parallelto the slide axis. The plurality of telescoping support structurescollapse as the second rigid member transitions from the deployedposition toward the collapsed position, and the plurality of telescopingsupport structures expand as the second rigid member transitions fromthe collapsed position toward the deployed position. A window isdetachably engageable with the second rigid member.

The truck may include a collapsible shell having a tapered configurationat its rear end to provide a sleek, compact, aerodynamic look, similarto a hatchback. The collapsible shell may include a plurality of firstframes moveable with respect to each other. The plurality of firstframes may be mounted to the first sidewall and may be traversablebetween a stored position, wherein the plurality of first frames areretracted with respect to each other, and a deployed position whereinthe plurality of second frames are extended out with respect to eachother. Each of the plurality of first frames may extending from thefirst sidewall to define a first frame height. The first frame height ofthe plurality of first frames may be non-uniform. The collapsible shellmay additionally include plurality of second frames moveable withrespect to each other. The plurality of second frames may be mounted tothe second sidewall, and may be traversable between a stored position,wherein the plurality of second frames are retracted to each other, anda deployed position wherein the plurality of second frames are extendedout with each other. Each of the plurality of second frames may extendfrom the second sidewall to define a second frame height. The secondframe height of the plurality of second frames may be non-uniform. Thecollapsible shell may additionally include a cover traversable between astored position and an extended position. The cover may extend over theplurality of first and second frames as the cover transitions from thestored position toward the extended position. When the cover is in thestored position and the plurality of first and second frames are in thestored position, a full length of the truck bed may be usable, and whenthe cover is in the extended position and the plurality of first andsecond frames are in the extended position, the collapsible shell mayform a covered interior volume over the truck bed.

The first frame height may decrease in a direction from the cab towardthe tailgate. The first frame height may linearly decrease. The secondframe height may decrease in a direction from the cab toward thetailgate. The second frame height may linearly decrease.

The may include a weather strip positionable between the collapsibleshell and the cab to form a water tight seal between the collapsibleshell and the cab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like partsthroughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck and a first embodiment of atelescoping truck bed shell;

FIG. 2 illustrates the telescoping truck bed shell shown in FIG. 1 asframes are being deployed;

FIG. 3 illustrates the telescoping truck bed shell shown in FIG. 1 whenthe frames are fully deployed;

FIG. 4 illustrates a shield rotated upward to prepare for deployment ofa cover of the telescoping truck bed shell;

FIG. 5 illustrates the shield rotated back downward and the cover beingdeployed;

FIG. 6 illustrates the cover when fully deployed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the truck and the second embodiment ofthe telescoping truck bed shell;

FIG. 8 illustrates the shield rotated upward to access crossmembersattachable to frames of the telescoping truck bed shell shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates the shield rotated fully upward;

FIG. 10 illustrates the crossmember attached to the frame of thetelescoping truck bed shell shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 11 illustrates deployment of the frames of the telescoping truckbed shell shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 12 illustrates full deployment of the frames and the cross membersattached to the frames;

FIG. 13 illustrates the cover being deployed over the frames;

FIG. 14 illustrates the cover when fully deployed and the shield whenrotated back downward;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a side wall mounted truck bed cover;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the side wall mounted truck bed coverwith a shell disposed above a plurality of telescoping supportstructures;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cab mounted truck bed cover and theshell with the shell being positioned over the telescoping supportstructures;

FIG. 18 illustrates snaps of the shell being attached to snaps attachedto the truck bed;

FIG. 19 illustrates the snaps of the shell connected to the snapsattached to the truck bed;

FIG. 20 illustrates a first half of a zipper attached to the shell beingengaged a second half of the zipper attached to side walls of the truckbed and a rigid member;

FIG. 21 is an upper perspective view of the side wall mounted truck bedcover in a collapsed configuration with a window detached therefrom anda motorcycle positioned within the truck bed;

FIG. 22 is an upper perspective view of the side wall mounted truck bedcover in a partially collapsed configuration;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a truck having a collapsible shell in astored position;

FIG. 24 illustrates the collapsible truck bed shell shown in FIG. 23 asframes of the collapsible shell are being extended;

FIG. 25 illustrates the collapsible truck bed shell shown in FIG. 23when the frames are fully extended;

FIG. 26 illustrates a shield rotated upward to prepare for deployment ofa cover over the collapsible shell;

FIG. 27 illustrates the shield rotated back downward and the cover beingdeployed;

FIG. 28 illustrates the cover when fully deployed;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the truck including a weather strippositionable between the cab and the collapsible shell;

FIG. 30 is a partial cutaway view showing the weather strip installedbetween the cab and the collapsible shell;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the truck;

FIG. 32 illustrates telescoping side frames;

FIG. 33 illustrates the telescoping side frames being deployed;

FIG. 34 illustrates a top that can be rolled up being attached to thetelescoping side frames, truck bed and/or truck cab;

FIG. 35 illustrates the side frames in the deployed position and the topin a retracted position;

FIG. 36 illustrates the top being deployed;

FIG. 37 illustrates the top in the fully deployed position;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the truck;

FIG. 39 illustrates telescoping side frames being attached to the truck;

FIG. 40 illustrates the telescoping side frames attached to the truck;

FIG. 41 illustrates the telescoping side frames being deployed;

FIG. 42 illustrates a top that can be rolled up being attached to thetelescoping side frames, truck bed and/or truck cab;

FIG. 43 illustrates the side frames in the deployed position and the topin a retracted position;

FIG. 44 illustrates the top being deployed;

FIG. 45 illustrates the top being further transitioned to the deployedposition; and

FIG. 46 illustrates the top in the fully deployed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, a truck 10 having a collapsible shell 12,112 is shown. The collapsible shell 12, 112 may be traversed to a storedposition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 which allows the user to have fullaccess to a bed 14 of the truck. The collapsible shell 12, 112 may alsobe traversed to an extended position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 14 whichprovides for a protected interior volume under a cover 16, 116 at thetruck bed 14. In this manner, the collapsible shell 12, 112 provides foreither full access to the truck bed when the collapsible shell 12, 112is in the collapsed or stored position or when needed an interiorprotected volume at the truck bed 14 so that utility of the truck bed 14is not diminished when the collapsible shell 12, 112 is mounted to thetruck 10. The user can load a full-sized motorcycle on top of the truckbed 14 when the collapsible shell 12, 112 is in the collapsed or storedposition. When needed, the user can also traverse the collapsible shell12, 112 to the extended or erected position when needed in order tocreate the interior protected volume at the truck bed 14 to storethings.

The collapsible shell 12, 112 is discussed herein in relation to thetruck 10 having the truck bed 14. However, it is also contemplated thatthe collapsible shell 12, 112 may also be mounted to any type of vehiclehaving a cargo area with an open top area. By way of example and notlimitation, the collapsible shell 12, 112 may also be mounted to a golfcart having an open cargo area or container behind the passenger area.Additionally, the collapsible shell 12, 112 may be mounted to acontainer having an open top.

The truck 10 may define a cab 18 having a roof 20. The truck bed 14 maydefine first and second side walls 22, 24 which are positioned onopposite sides of a floor 26 of the truck bed 14. As discussed above,the collapsible shell 12, 112 may be mounted to other types of vehicleas well as to a container. In this regard, opposed walls of thecontainer would be the functional equivalent of the first and secondside walls 22, 24 of the truck bed 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6 , a first embodiment of the collapsible shell12 is shown. The second embodiment of the collapsible shell 112 shown inFIGS. 7-14 is identical to the first embodiment of the collapsible shell12 shown in FIGS. 1-6 except as described further below. The collapsibleshell 12 may have a plurality of first frames 28 a-n and a plurality ofsecond frames 30 a-n. The first and second frames 28 a-c, 30 a-c may beslidably mounted to the first and second side walls 22, 24 of the truckbed 14. The plurality of first frames 28 a-c may be slidably mounted tothe first side wall 22 by installing a sliding track 32 on an upper edgeor surface of the first side wall 22. Similarly, the plurality of secondframes 30 a-c may be slidably mounted to the second side wall 24 byinstalling a sliding track 34 on an upper edge or surface of the secondside wall 24. Followers may be mounted to a bottom side of the frames28, 30 wherein the followers slidably engaged the first and secondsliding tracks 32, 34. The followers and sliding tracks 32, 34 allow thefirst and second frames 28, 30 to slide between a collapsed position andan extended position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the plurality of first and second frames 28, 30 whenthe frames 28, 30 are in the fully extended position. The first frames28 b, 28 c may be slidably mounted to the first side wall 22 while thefirst frame 28 a may be rigidly secured to the first side wall 22 orsliding track 32. Similarly, the second frames 30 b, 30 c may beslidably mounted to the second side wall 24 while the second frame 30 amay be rigidly secured to the second side wall 24 or sliding track 34.Front portions 36, 38 of the frames 28 a, 30 a may be attached to thecab 18 in a manner that allows for some flex. As the truck 10 moves overuneven terrain, the cab 18 may move independent from the truck bed 14.By attaching the frames 28 a, 30 a to the cab 18 to allow for some flex,movement of the cab 18 does not transfer any undue force to the truckbed 14 and movement of the truck bed 14 does not transfer any undueforce to the cab 18 so that usage of the collapsible shell 12 does notcompromise the structural integrity of the truck bed 14, the cab 18 andthe shell 12.

The sliding track 32, 34 may each have two races. The first race of thesliding track 32 may receive the follower attached to the first frame 28b. The second race of the sliding track 32 may receive the followerattached to the first frame 28 c. The first race of the sliding track 34may receive the follower attached to the second frame 30 b. The secondrace of the sliding track 34 may receive the follower attached to thesecond frame 30 c. The frames 28 a and 30 a may be fixedly secured tothe first and second side wall 22, 24. The follower may be a tongue andthe first and second races of the first sliding track 32 may be groovesthat receive the follower. Alternatively, the follower and the first andsecond races may have a ball bearing engagement between the two so thatthe weight of the frames 28 b, c, 30 b, c does not hinder slidingmovement of the frames 28 b, c, 30 b, c along the first and secondsliding tracks 32, 34. Optionally, the first and second frames 28 a, 30a may be slidably attached to the first and second side walls 22, 24 byproviding for an additional race in the first and second sliding tracks32, 34 that receive followers that are attached to the first and secondframes 28 a, 30 a. The followers may be secured to the bottom side ofthe frames 28, 30. The races may be parallel to each other.

Alternatively, the first frames 28 b, 28 c may be slidably attached tothe first frames 28 a, 28 b. Similarly, the second frames 30 b, c may beslidably attached to the second frames 30 a, b. The slidable attachmentbetween the respective first and second frames 28 a, b, c and 30 a, b, cmay be achieved through a tongue and groove connection between the firstframes 28 b to 28 a and 28 c to 28 b as well as between the secondframes 30 b to 30 a and 30 c to 30 b. When the first and second frames28, 30 are in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 3 , the first andsecond frames 28, 30 may be locked to the extended position.

The frames 28, 30 may each be fabricated from a rigid tubular material.In the drawings, the rigid tubular material has an L-shape. However, itis also contemplated the rigid tubular material may be rectangularlyshaped. The L-shaped tubular material may also have a generally rigidpanel 31 which may be opaque, transparent or translucent. The followersmay be attached to the bottom sides of the rigid panel for mounting tothe sliding tracks 32, 34. If the frames 28, 30 are rectangularly shapedtubular material, then the followers may be attached to the bottom sidesof the rigid tubular material of the bottom side thereof.

Other materials for the frame 28, 30 may also be utilized including butnot limited to fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum or solid bar. Theframe 28, 30 may be fabricated from a material that can withstand windand driving forces due to the truck 10 driving on the freeway at speedsof up to 65-90 mph and cornering.

The frames 28, 30 may collapse and extend along the side walls 22, 24 ofthe truck bed 14. However, the frames 28, 30 may not provide anyprotection on the top of the shell 12, 112. Rather, the frames 28, 30only protect the sides of the collapsible shell 12, 112. To this end,the collapsible shell 12, 112 may further have a cover 16 that can besecured to the frames 28, 30 when the frames 28, 30 are telescoped outto the extended position (see FIG. 4 ). The cover 16 may start from astored position collapsed over the cab 18 of the truck 10. When thecover 16 is in the stored position, a fairing 40 may shield the cover 16so that as the truck 10 moves forward, oncoming wind flows over thecover 16 and the cover 16 does not add to the wind resistance of thetruck 10. Moreover, the fairing 40 mitigates the possibility that windwill pick the cover 16 up inadvertently when the cover 16 storedposition and rip the cover 16 off of the roof of the cab.

Although the frames 28, 30 are shown as having an open top when theframes 28, 30 are in the extended position it is also contemplated thatthe frames 28, 30 may extended inward or medially at the top so as toprovide protection to the top side of the shell 12, 112. The medialsides of the extended portions of the frames 28, 30 may join togetherand provide for a watertight seal.

The cover 16 may comprise a plurality of panels that can be stacked uponeach other in an accordion fashion. This is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .Four panels 42 a-d may make up the cover 16. Although only four panels42 a-d is shown as making up the cover 16, it is also contemplated thatthe cover may be fabricated from one or more panels 42. If it is only asingle panel, then the panel 42 would cover only the topside of theshell 12 but not the backside of the collapsible shell 12, 112.Moreover, the cover 16 is shown as being a plurality of rigid panelsthat are stacked in an accordion fashion. However it is alsocontemplated that the cover 16 may be fabricated from a flexiblematerial that can be rolled up and disposed under the fairing 40 thenunrolled in order to protect or form an enclosure over the truck bed 14in conjunction with the frames 28, 30. The flex cover 16 would also becapable of being unrolled to cover the back side of the shell 12.

The cover 16 may be sufficiently wide in order to engage the topsides ofthe frames 28, 30. More particularly, the cover 16 may form a seal alongthe topsides of the frames 28, 30 wherein the seal may be watertight toprovide a dry interior volume over the truck bed 14. The cover 16 mayhave a rubber seal along the outer peripheral edges that engage theframes 28, 30 to form that watertight seal. The cover 16 may be securedto the frames 28, 30 with latches including but not limited to rubberlatches or mechanically operated latches.

To deploy the cover, the fairing 40 which may be pivotally attached tothe roof 20 of the cab 18 may be pivoted upward as shown in FIG. 3 . Thefairing 40 may be held in the upward position by a spring. The fairing40 may also be held in the down position or stored position with thelatch to resist the upward spring motion. The latch may be attachable tothe shield and the roof of the cab and be detachable in order totraverse the fairing 40 to the upward position. By pivoting the fairing40 upward, this provides room or allows the cover 16 to be unfolded overthe truck bed as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 . The fairing 40 may be placedback to the down position, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and locked intoplace with a lock. The cover 16 may also be secured to the frames 28, 30with a locking mechanism 44. A plurality of locking mechanism 44 may bedisposed along the length of the frames 28, 30 so as to engage theframes 28, 30 and the cover 16 to each other.

The frames 28, 30 are shown as being stacked upon each other as shown inFIG. 1 . When the frames 28, 30 are deployed, the frames 28 b, c and 30b, c may slide outward and also pivot into alignment with the frame 28a, 30 a so that the frames 28 a, b, c are in the same plane and theframes 30 a, b, c are in the same plane. The frames 28 b, c and 30 b, care shown as being offset from the frame 28 a, 30 a in FIG. 2 . Thisshows the frames 28 b,c, and 30 b,c before they are pivoted intoalignment with the frames 28 a, 30 a.

The fairing 40 may also have a cutout to allow for the panels 42 whichmay be too wide for the fairings 40, as shown in FIG. 1 . The cutout 46allows the panels 42 to extend beyond the width of the fairing 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-14 , the collapsible shell 112 will bediscussed. The collapsible shell 112 is identical to the collapsibleshell 12 discussed in relation FIGS. 1-6 . However, certain differencesdo exist which are described below. The frames 28 a, 30 a may be fixedlyattached to the side walls 22, 24. Additionally, a crossbar 148 may beattached to the frames 28, 30.

Moreover, the fairing 140 may additionally have a rear flap 150 that isflexible and pivotable about a rear edge 152 of the fairing 140. Thefairing 140 may optionally not have the cutout 46 because the panels 142of the cover 116 may be modified so as to be narrower than a width ofthe fairing 140. In particular, the panels 142 of the cover 116 is onlywider than the fairing 140 because the panel 142 d extends outward atthe bottom so that the panel 142 d can form an enclosure about theentire width of the upper edge 154 of the tailgate 156 of the truck 10.The panel 142 d may have pivoting side flaps 158 which are folded inwardas shown in FIG. 12 so that the panels 142 are narrower than the fairing140 and can fit entirely within the fairing 140. For this reason, thecutout 46 placed in the fairing 40 is not required in the fairing 140.The fairing 140 may be traversable between the upper position and thedown position in the same manner as that of fairing 40 with or without aspring to traverse the fairing 40 to the upward position and with orwithout a latch to hold the fairing 140 in the downward position. Thesame is true for fairing 40.

Additionally, the panel 142 are deployed in the same manner in relationto the panels 42 discussed in relation to FIGS. 1-6 except that in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 7-14 , there is an extra step of unfolding theside flaps 158 outward for engaging the panel 142 to the closedposition, as shown in FIG. 14 .

Moreover, the collapsible shell 112 may have supporting cross members160 that may be attached to the frames 28 b, c and 30 b, c, shown inFIG. 12 . The supporting cross members 160 provide additional rigidityto the collapsible shell 112. Moreover, the cover 116 may have apivoting joint 162 that allows the panels 142 c and 142 d to pivot abouteach other. The pivoting joint 162 may also be secured to the supportingcrossmember 160 attached to the frames 28 c, 30 c. The cover 16 may besecured to the frames 28, 30 with latches including but not limited torubber latches or mechanically operated latches.

The supporting crossmembers 160 may be stored under the fairing 141 thecollapsible shell 112 is in the collapsed position. The supportingcrossmembers 160 may be attached to the frames 28 b, c and 30 b, c withquick attach mechanisms known in the art or developed in the future. Thecrossmembers 160 and the frames 28, 30 may have quick detach mechanismsso that the supporting crossmembers 160 may be removably attached to theframes 28, 30 so that the supporting crossmember 160 may be stored inthe fairing 140 when the collapsible shell 112 is in the collapsedposition. Also, when needed, the supporting crossmember 160 may beremoved from fairing 140 and attached to the frames 28 b, c and 30 b, cto attach to the frames 28, 30. The crossmembers 160 may be used toassist in deploying and storing the shell 12, 112.

The collapsible shell 12, 112 may be traversed from the stored orcollapsed position to the extended position either manually or under thepower of a motor. When done manually, the user will grasp the frame 28 cand begin to pull the frame 28 c toward the tailgate. Additionally, theuser will grasp 30 c and begin to pull the frame 30 c toward thetailgate. By doing so, the frames 28 b, c and 30 b, c are traversed tothe extended position. Alternatively, for the collapsible shell 112, theuser may secure the supporting crossmember 160 to the frame 28 c and 30c first and then grip the supporting crossmember 160 and traverse thesupporting crossmember 160 toward the tailgate. By doing so, this alsotraverses the frames 28 b, c and 30 b, c toward the extended positionsimultaneously. It is also contemplated that the frames 28 b, c and 30b, c may be traversed to the extended position under the power of amotor. The motor may drive a rack and pinion configuration attached tothe frames 28 b, c to either the frame 28 a or side wall 22. The same ordifferent motor may also drive the rack and pinion configurationattached to the frames 30 b, c attached to either the frame 38 or sidewall 24. The motor(s) may be actuated by a controller to either traversethe frames 28 b, c, 30 b, c to the extended position and/or back to thecollapsed position.

The fairing 40, 140 are shown as being rotatably attached to the cab ofthe truck. However, the fairing 40, 140 may also be removable from thecab of the truck so that the user can remove the shell from the truck ifdesired. For example, truck cabs may have integrated rails on the driverside and passenger side of the cab of the truck. The fairing 40, 140 maybe removably attached to the left and right rails on the top of the cab.The fairing 40, 140 may also be integrated into the cab of the truck inthat it is not removable without significant time and effort.

The cover 16, 116 may have an integrated third brake light 17, 117. Thethird brake light 17, 117 may be in electrical communication with theelectrical system of the truck so that the third brake light 17, 117 isilluminated when brakes of the truck are actuated. The third brake light17, 117 may be disposed between panels 42 c and 42 d for the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-6 and between panels 142 c and 142 d for the embodimentshown in FIG. 7-14 .

The cover 16, 116 and the frames 28, 30, 128, 130 when in the deployedstate shown in FIGS. 6 and 14 may be waterproof so that rain water doesnot and cannot enter the truck bed area. To this end, the cover 16, 116and the frames 28, 30, 128, 130 may have rubber seals and other sealingmechanisms for keep the water out of the truck bed area.

Referring now to FIG. 15 , there is depicted a truck 200 having anotherembodiment of a telescopically collapsible shell 212. The shell 212 maybe truck bed mounted (i.e., not mounted directly to the cab) and includea detachable window so as to facilitate storage of larger items, such asa motorcycle, in the bed of the truck 200 when the shell 212 is in acollapsed position.

The truck 200 generally includes a cab 214, and a truck bed 216 havingside walls 218, 220, and tailgate 222 pivotable relative to the sidewalls 218, 220 between a raised position and a lowered position.

The shell 212 may be sized to be extendable over the truck bed 216 todefine an enclosure. The shell 212 generally includes a first rigidmember 224 positionable adjacent the cab 214, a second rigid member 226moveable relative to the first rigid member 224, and a plurality oftelescoping support structures 228 extending between the first rigidmember 224 and the second rigid member 226. Along these lines, the shell212 may incorporates rails 228, 230 on the first and second side walls218, 220 of the truck bed 216 that allow at least the second rigidmember 226 to slidably traverse relative to the first and second sidewalls 218, 220 between a deployed position and a collapsed position.

The first rigid member 224 includes a first side portion 234, a secondside portion 236, and an upper portion 238 extending between the firstside portion 234 and the second side portion 236. The first and secondside portions 234, 236 may include panels extending rearwardly towardthe second rigid member 226, beyond the upper portion 238. The first andsecond side portions 234, 236 may be mounted to the first and secondside walls 218, 220 of the truck bed 216, respectively. In this regard,it is contemplated that intervening structures, such as gaskets,washers, rails 228, 230, etc., may be positioned between the first andsecond side portions 234, 236 and the first and second side walls 218,220; however, the first and second side portions 234, 236 provide thefoundational structure of the truck 200 which most directly supports thefirst and second side portions 234, 236. In other words, the first rigidmember 224 may not be directly attached to the cab 214 when it ismounted to the truck bed 216 (i.e., the first rigid member 224 may bemounted solely to the truck bed 216). Such separation of the first rigidmember 224 from the cab 214 may result in a gap existing between the cab214 and the first rigid member 224, and may also allow for pivoting ofthe shell 212 relative to the cab 214 so that as the truck 200 movesover uneven terrain and the body of the truck 200 twists and turns, thefirst rigid member 224 moves with the bed 216 of the truck 200 and notwith the cab 214. This allows the shell 212 to move independent of thecab 214 so that the twisting and turning of the cab 214 when the truck200 travels over uneven terrain does not transfer all of the energy fromthe twisting and turning cab 214 to the first rigid member 224.

The first rigid member 224 may be mounted so as to remain stationaryrelative to the first and second side walls 218, 220, or alternatively,the mounting of the first rigid member 224 to first and second sidewalls 220 may allow the first rigid member 224 to translate relative tothe first and second side walls 218, 220. As such, the first rigidmember 224 may be mounted directly to the first and second side walls218, 220 or to the rails 228, 230.

The second rigid member 226 may include a first side portion 240, asecond side portion 242, and an upper portion 244 extending between thefirst side portion 240 and the second side portion 242. The upperportion 244 may include a light 246, such as a tail light integratedtherein. In this regard, the second rigid member 226 may include aninternal power source for powering the light 246, or may be connectableto a power source on the truck 200. The first and second side portions240, 242 may be mounted to the first and second side walls 218, 220 ofthe truck bed 216, respectively, via the rails 228, 230 on the first andsecond side walls 218, 220 to allow the second rigid member 226 to slideover the first and second side walls 218, 220 along a slide axis 248(see FIG. 22 ) between a deployed position and a collapsed position. Thesecond rigid member 226 may move toward the first rigid member 224 asthe second rigid member 226 transitions from the deployed positiontoward the collapsed position. Conversely, the second rigid member 226may move away from the first rigid member 224 as the second rigid member226 transitions from the collapsed position toward the deployedposition.

According to one embodiment, a window 250 is detachably engageable withthe second rigid member 226. The second rigid member 226 and the truckbed 216 may define a window opening 252 when the second rigid member 226is in the deployed position. The window 250 may be sized to becomplimentary in shape to the window opening 252 so as to extend betweenthe second rigid member 226 and the truck bed 216 when the second rigidmember 226 is in the deployed position. In particular, the tailgate 222may define a portion of the window opening 252 such that the window 250extends to the tailgate 222 when the second rigid member 226 is in thedeployed position and the window 250 is engaged with the second rigidmember 226.

As noted above, a plurality of telescoping support structures 228 mayextend between the first rigid member 224 and the second rigid member226. The telescoping support structures 228 may be straight and extendor contract solely in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in a directionparallel to the slide axis 248. The telescoping support structures 228may be oriented horizontally generally parallel to the truck bed 216.Each telescoping support structure 228 may be connected to the firstrigid member 224 and the second rigid member 226 in a direction parallelto the slide axis 248. The plurality of telescoping support structures228 may collapse as the second rigid member 226 transitions from thedeployed position toward the collapsed position. Each telescopingsupport structure 228 may define a length as that distance along thetelescoping support structure 228 between the first rigid member 224 andthe second rigid member 226. Thus, as the second rigid member 226 movesrelative to the first rigid member 224, the lengths of the telescopingsupport structures 228 may vary. Each telescoping support structure 228may expand as the second rigid member 226 transitions from the collapsedposition toward the deployed position. In this regard, each telescopingsupport structure 228 may be formed from a plurality of segments, suchthat as the telescoping support structure 228 collapses, the degree bywhich at least two adjacent segments overlap increases, which results ina decrease of the overall length of the telescoping support structure228. Conversely, as the telescoping support structure 228 expands, thedegree by which at least two adjacent segments overlap decreases, whichresults in an increase of the overall length of the telescoping supportstructure 228.

According to one embodiment, the shell 212 includes two telescopingsupport structures 228 on each side portion of the shell 212 and fivetelescoping support structures 228 along a top portion of the shell 212for a total of nine support structures 228. However, it is understoodthat the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, andthat other embodiments may have fewer than nine support structures 228or greater than nine support structures 228.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17 , a cover panel 254 is shown. The coverpanel 254 may have an outer layer 258 that may preferably be waterimpermeable, but is also contemplated to be non-water impermeable. Theouter layer 258 may be attached to an elastic netting 256, which may bedisposed on the bottom side of the outer layer 258. The elastic netting256 may define an outer periphery which is attached to the outerperiphery of the outer layer 258. Preferably, the outer periphery of theelastic netting 256 is smaller than the outer periphery of the outerlayer 258 so that when the cover panel 254 is attached to the first andsecond rigid members 224, 226, and when the shell 212 is in the deployedposition, the elastic netting 256 may cause the cover panel 254 to betaut. The elastic netting 256 may be selectively secured to the outerlayer 258 at various points interior to the outer periphery of the outerlayer 258.

The outer perimeter of the cover panel 254 may have a first half of azipper 260. Additionally, a second half of the zipper 262 may also belined along a length of the first and second side walls 218, 220 of thetruck bed, 216. The second half of the zipper 262 may be secured to therails 228, 230 and more particularly be disposed on an outer side of therails 228, 230 to allow rainwater to cascade away from the interior ofthe truck bed 216 and onto the exterior side of the first and secondside walls 218, 220 of the truck bed 216. The second rigid member 228may also have a second half of the zipper 558 attached to the frontalperimeter of the second rigid member 228. The second half of the zipper558 attached to the second rigid member 228 may be tucked under the leftand right side walls 258, 260 and the roof 262. Moreover, the first andsecond halves of the zipper 260, 262 may have a water-resistant coveringto further mitigate passage of rainwater through the zipper 260, 262.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , the cover panel 254 may be aligned to thefirst and second side walls 218, 220 of the truck bed 216 and the firstand second rigid members 224, 226. To attach the cover panel 254 to thetruck bed 216 and the first and second rigid members 224, 226, the coverpanel 254 may have a plurality of snaps 264 along an edge that isconnected to the first and second side walls 218, 220 of the truck bed216. The snaps 264 may be secured to a hem 266 that extends under theouter layer 258. The snaps 264 may be secured to the corresponding snaps268 that are disposed interior to the zippers 260, 262. The snaps 264,268 are secured to each other first on both sides (i.e., passenger anddriver sides) of the cover panel 254. The elastic netting 256 draws theouter layer 258 tight when the snaps 264, 268 are engaged to each otheron both sides at the first and second side walls of the truck bed. Thehem 266 is layered over the hem 270 so that water that falls on theouter layer 258 cascades down the side of the side walls 218, 220.Moreover, the zippers 260, 262 are attached over the overlapping hems266, 270 to further prevent or mitigate water from entering the truckbed area. Referring now to FIG. 19 , the snaps 264, 268 are engaged toeach other. Referring now to FIG. 20 , first and second halves of thezipper 260, 262 are secured to each other by the slider 272.

Although the exemplary embodiment depicts the cover panel 254 asincluding zipper 260, 262 for securing an edge of the cover panel to theside walls 218, 220 of the truck bed 216, it is contemplated that inother embodiments, the lower edge of the cover panel 254 may not includea zipper, and thus, may freely extend over the size walls 218, 220.

According to one embodiment, the telescoping support structures 228 maybe spaced from an outer periphery or edge of the first and second rigidmembers 224, 226, so as to create a gap between the telescoping supportstructures 228 and the outer periphery. As the shell 212 is transitionedfrom the deployed position toward the collapsed position, the coverpanel 254 may be capable of folding, like an accordion, and fittingwithin the gap between the telescoping support structures 228 and theouter periphery of the respective first and second rigid members 224,226.

The cover panel 254 may have a window 274 on one or both sides.Moreover, the outer layer 258 of the shell may be fabricated from aflexible material.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 , it is contemplated that the shell 212may be selectively transitioned between the deployed position and thecollapsed position as needed. FIG. 21 shows the shell 212 in thecollapsed position, while FIG. 22 shows the shell 212 transitioningbetween the collapsed position and the deployed position. As shown inFIG. 21 , the window 250 may be detached from the second rigid member226. By detaching the window 250 from the second rigid member 226,larger items may be stored in the truck bed 216. If the second rigidmember 226 is moved to the deployed position (i.e. adjacent the firstrigid member 224), with the window 250 remaining attached to the secondrigid member 226, the presence of the window 250 may limit the overallamount of storage space that is available in the truck bed 216. Inparticular, the space between the window 250 and the end the truck bed216 adjacent the cab 214 may effectively be rendered useless if thewindow 250 remains engaged with the second rigid member 226. Thus, byremoving the window 250 from the second rigid member 226, that spacebecomes useable, and as shown in FIG. 21 , a motorcycle or other largeitems may be stored in the truck bed 216.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-30 , a collapsible shell 300 is shown attachedto a truck bed 302. FIG. 23 shows the collapsible shell 300 in a storedposition, while FIG. 28 shows the collapsible shell 30 in an extendedposition. The collapsible shell 300 may include a cover 316 engageablewith first and second frames 304, 306. When in the extended position,the collapsible shell 300 may have a tapered shape at its rear end toprovide a sleek, compact, aerodynamic look. As such, the collapsibleshell 300 may function similar to a hatchback with a selectivelyaccessible trunk.

The first and second frames 304, 306 may be expandable or capable oftelescoping between stored and expanded positions. At least some offirst and second frames 304, 306 may be slidably mounted to the firstand second side walls 308, 310 of the truck bed 302 via sliding tracks312, 314 as discussed in more detail above. Each of the first frames 304may extend upwardly away from the first side wall 308 of the truck bed302 to define a first frame height H₁ (see FIG. 25 ). Similarly, each ofthe second frames 306 may extend upwardly away from the second side wall310 of the truck bed 302 to define a second frame height H₂. The firstand second frames 304, 306 may be configured such that the first frameheight H₁ and the second frame height H₂ decreases toward the rear endof the collapsible shell 300.

More specifically, the first frames 304 may include a forward body 304a, an intermediate body 304 b, and a rearward body 304 c. The forwardbody 304 a may define a generally uniform first frame height H₁, whilethe intermediate body 304 b and the rearward body 304 c may define anon-uniform first frame height H₁. The first frame height H₁ of the endof the intermediate body 304 b adjacent the forward body 304 a may beequal to a first value, while the first frame height H₁ of the oppositeend intermediate body 304 b adjacent the rearward body 304 c may beequal to a second value less than the first value. In other words, thefirst frame height H₁ of the intermediate body 304 b may decrease as theintermediate body 304 b extends away from the forward body 304 a.Similarly, the first frame height H₁ of the end rearward body 304 cadjacent the intermediate body 304 b may be equal to a third value,which may be less than or equal to the second value. Furthermore, thefirst frame height H₁ of the rearward end of the rearward body 304 c maybe equal to a fourth value less than the third value. As such, the firstframe height H₁ may include a generally uniform segment, as defined bythe forward body 304 a, and a variable, non-uniform segment, as definedby the intermediate body 304 b and the rearward body 304 c. Thevariable, non-uniform segment may vary in a linear fashion, which mayfacilitate engagement with a planar structure, such as the cover 502.

The second frame 306 may be a mirror image of the first frame 304, withthe second frame 306 including forward body 306 a that is of uniformheight, and intermediate and rearward bodies 306 b, c that are ofnon-uniform height.

While the foregoing describes the first and second frames 304, 306 ashaving a single intermediate body 304 b, 306 b, it is contemplated thatother implementations of the first and second frames 304, 306 mayinclude a plurality of intermediate bodies.

The slidable engagement of the first and second frames 304, 306 relativeto their respective sliding tracks 312, 314 may allow the first andsecond frames 304, 306 to transition between a stored position and anextended position. FIG. 23 shows the first and second frames 304, 306 intheir stored positions. In the stored positions, the intermediate bodies304 b, 306 b, and rearward bodies 304 c, 306 c, may substantiallyoverlap with the forward bodies 304 a, 306 a. In this regard, theforward body 304 a may be the outermost body, while the rearward body304 c, 306 c may be the innermost body, with the intermediate body 304b, 306 b being between the forward and rearward bodies 304 a, 306 a, 304c, 306 c. When the first and second frames 304, 306 are in their storedpositions, most of the respective sliding tracks 312, 314 may beuncovered.

FIG. 24 shows the first and second frames 304, 306 in an intermediateposition, between the stored and extended positions. In the intermediateposition, the intermediate body 304 b, 306 b is extended from theforward body 304 a, 306 a, such that very little, if any, overlap existsbetween the intermediate body 304 b, 306 b and the forward body 304 a,306 a. The tapered height of the intermediate body 304 b, 306 b resultsin the upper edge of the intermediate body 304 b, 306 b being angleddownwardly toward the truck bed 302 from the upper edge of the forwardbody 304 a. When the first and second frames 304, 306 are in theintermediate position, the rearward body 304 c, 306 c may be concealedbehind the forward and/or intermediate bodies 304 a, 306 a, 304 b, 306b.

FIG. 25 shows the first and second frames 304, 306 in their fullyextended positions, wherein the rearward bodies 304 c, 306 c have beenextended beyond the intermediate bodies 304 b, 306 b, such that verylittle, if any, overlap exists between the rearward bodies 304 c, 306 cand the corresponding intermediate bodies 304 b, 306 b. When the firstand second frames 304, 306 are fully extended, the first and secondframes 304, 306 may define a maximum length that may be substantiallyequal to the length of the truck bed 302.

The forward bodies 304 a, 306 a may be fixedly secured to the first andsecond side wall 308, 310, such that the forward bodies 304 a, 306 a maynot require movement to facilitate transition between the stored andextended positions. The intermediate bodies 304 b, 306 b and therearward bodies 304 c, 306 c may slide along the respective slidingtracks 312, 314 to transition the first and second frames 304, 306between the stored and extended positions. In particular, the slidingtracks 312, 314 may each have two races, as described above.

Optionally, the forward bodies 304 a, 306 a may be slidably attached tothe first and second side walls 308, 310 by providing an additional racein the first and second sliding tracks 312, 314 that receive followersthat are attached to the forward bodies 304 a, 306 a.

The frames 304, 306 may each be fabricated from a rigid tubularmaterial, as described in more detail above, for providing a structureon the side of the collapsible shell 300. The bodies of the frames 304,306 may also be formed from panels.

A cover 316 may be deployed over the frames 304, 306 to provide astructure on the top of the collapsible shell 300, such that the frames304, 306 and the cover 316 collectively define an enclosure over thetruck bed 302 when the frames 304, 306 are extended out to the extendedposition. The cover 316 may start from a stored position, as shown inFIGS. 23-26 , collapsed over the cab 18 of the truck 10 and transitionto a deployed position, as shown in FIG. 28 .

FIG. 26 shows fairing 318 pivoted upwardly from the roof of the cab 322to expose the stored, collapsed cover 316, resting on the roof of thecab. In FIG. 27 , the cover 316 is partially deployed, with the cover316 having been unfolded, and extended over the forward bodies 304 a,306 a and the intermediate bodies 304 b, 306 b. The cover 316 mayinclude a forward panel 316 a or region that extends over the forwardbodies 304 a, 306 a, and an intermediate panel 316 b or region thatextends over the intermediate bodies 304 b, 306 b. The forward panel 316a and intermediate panel 316 b may be separated by a hinge or fold-lineto facilitate folding of the forward and intermediate panels 316 a, 316b relative to each other.

FIG. 28 shows the cover 316 in the fully deployed position, with thecover including a rearward panel 316 c or region that extends over therearward bodies 304 c, 306 c. The rearward panel 316 c may be separatedfrom the intermediate panel 316 b by a hinge or fold-line to facilitatefolding of the intermediate and rearward panels 316 b, 316 c relative toeach other.

The cover 316 may be sufficiently wide to engage the topsides of theframes 304, 306, while also being sufficiently long to accommodate thevariable height of the frames 304, 306. The cover 316 may be secured tothe frames 304, 306 with latches including but not limited to rubberlatches or mechanically operated latches. The cover 316 may also besecured to the frames 304, 306 with a locking mechanism 320. A pluralityof locking mechanism 320 may be disposed along the length of the frames304, 306 so as to engage the frames 304, 306 and the cover 316 to eachother. The cover 316 may be detachably connected to the frames 304, 306to facilitate removable of the upper panel 524 when a higher clearancemay be needed for storing large items in the truck bed 302. Forinstance, the cover 316 may be detached to allow a motorcycle placed inthe truck bed 302.

One or more hydraulic pistons (not shown) or other lift assistingmechanisms may extend between the frames 304, 306 and the cover 316 toassist in lifting the cover 316 from its closed position toward its openposition. The hydraulic pistons may apply a force to the cover 316 thatat least partially counteracts the weight of the cover 316 to reduce theburden on the user for lifting the cover 316. Furthermore, the hydraulicpistons may be configured to maintain the cover 316 in the open positionso that a user is not required to hold the cover 316 in the openposition to access the truck bed enclosure. As such, the cover 316 mayremain in the open position independent of any assistance by the userbecause of the assistance provided by the hydraulic pistons. In fact,the hydraulic pistons may urge the cover 316 toward the open position,such that when the user unlatches the cover 316 from the frames 304,306, the hydraulic pistons may automatically raise the cover 316 to theopen position. Thus, to close the cover 316, the user would pull down onthe cover 316 to overcome the biasing force applied by the hydraulicpistons 538.

When the cover 316 is in the closed position, the cover 316 may engagewith the frames 304, 306 so as to provide a weather resistant barrier(or rainfall resistant seal) over the trunk bed enclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30 , there is depicted a weather strip 400for creating a weather-resistant barrier between the truck cab 322 andthe collapsible shell 300. The weather strip 400 may occupy a gapbetween the truck cab 322 and the collapsible shell 300 to preventmoisture from rain, sleet, snow, or other sources (e.g., sprinklers orpuddle splashes) from flowing into the truck bed enclosure. The weatherstrip 400 may be configured to provide the weather-resistantfunctionality without obscuring the driver's line-of-sight through arear window 37 located in the rear wall 35 of the cab 322.

FIG. 29 shows the weather strip 400 removed from the cab 322 forpurposes of clarity, while FIG. 30 shows the weather strip 400 attachedto the cab 322. The weather strip 400 may be expandable to occupy thegap between the cab 322 and the collapsible shell 300. In this regard,the weather strip 400 may be compressible and resilient, to allow theweather strip 400 to be compressed between the cab 322 and thecollapsible shell 300 during installation, and then once installed, theweather strip 400 may apply a force to the cab 322 and a portion of thecollapsible shell 300 to create the weather-resistant seal therebetween.The weather strip 400 may be inflatable, or have natural resiliency toallow for such compressibility. The weather strip 400 may be a tube orgasket, and may be formed from rubber or other weather resistant,resilient materials known in the art. Attachment of the weather strip400 to the cab 322 may be via glue or other adhesives or by simplepressure and friction. The weather strip 400 may also be attached to thecab 322 via mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, nails, or screws.

The weather strip 400 may include an upper segment 402, a pair of sidesegments 404, 406, and an optional lower segment 408, which collectivelycircumnavigate an enclosed area 410 (i.e., space or volume interior tothe weather strip 400). When the weather strip 400 is attached to thecab 322, the enclosed area 410 of the weather strip 400 may overlap withthe window 37 so as not to block the window 37. The configuration of theweather strip 400 may correspond to the size and contour of the truckcab 322. In this regard, one side segment 404 may extend adjacent afirst side of the truck cab 322, another side segment 406 may extendadjacent a second side of the truck cab 322, while another portion ofthe weather strip 400 may extend adjacent the roof of the truck cab 322.The lower segment 408 may be optional, and may provide protection fromwater which may splash up from the road. Thus, certain implementationsof the weather strip 400 may be formed without a lower segment 408.

When the weather strip 400 is installed on a truck, the weather strip400 may create a water tight seal or at least rain resistant seal withthe truck cab 322 and the truck bed cover 300 to redirect water awayfrom the truck bed enclosure. For instance, if rain is falling on thetruck, the rain drops may fall onto the upper segment 402, and may flowdown along one of the side segments 404, 406, and then continue downtoward the ground. Furthermore, if the truck is wet and moving along aroad, water droplets on the truck may flow along the length of thetruck. As the water droplets approach the end of the truck cab 322, thewater droplets may flow across the weather strip 400, and then onto thetruck bed cover 300, and thus, the weather strip 400 may prevent thewater droplets from entering the truck bed enclosure. For example, anupper surface of the upper segment 402 may be at the same height as theupper surface of the truck bed cover. Therefore, items stored within thetruck bed enclosure may remain dry.

The existence of the weather strip 400 between the cab 322 and theframes 304, 306 may eliminate the need for the collapsible shell 300 toinclude a front panel (not shown) to extend between the forward bodies.The absence of a forward panel may leave the window 37 unobstructed toprovide the driver with a clear view-path through the window 37.However, it is understood that in other embodiments, the collapsibleshell may include a front panel, particularly when a weather strip 400is not used. In such cases, the front panel may be transparent, orinclude a transparent section, so as to allow a user to view through thefront panel when looking through the window.

The weather strip 400 may be used with a variety of different truck bedcovers. Therefore, while weather strip 400 is shown in combination withtruck bed cover 300 shown in the figures, it is understood that thescope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-46 , various aspects of two embodiments of adevice that may be mounted to a bed of any type of vehicle is disclosedand shown.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-37 , a first embodiment of the device isshown.

As shown in FIG. 32 , the truck bed may have a frame 1000. As shown, theframe 1000 may be a frame shown in Ser. No. 16/536,753, filed on Aug. 9,2019. Or, the frame 1000 may be a frame shown in Ser. No. 16/583,102,filed on Sep. 25, 2019. The frame 1000 refers to those tubular parts ormembers that support a truck bed cover.

The entire contents of Ser. Nos. 16/536,753 and 16/583,102 areincorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 34 , a roll up door may be disposed in a container1002.

As shown in FIG. 35 , an opening or slot 1004 is shown through which theroll up door 1006 (see FIG. 36 ) may be deployed or retracted. The rollup door 1006 may disposed in the container 1002 which may be mounted tothe frame 1000. The door 1006 may be rolled up into the container 1002or deployed by pulling the door 1006 out of the container 1002. Forexample, the roll up door 1006 can be pulled out of the container 1002to be deployed.

Referring now to FIG. 36 , the door 1006 is being pulled out of thecontainer 1002 through the slot 1004 of the container 1002 shown in FIG.35 . The lateral side portions 1008 of the door 1006 are disposed withina tongue or guide 1010 formed in the upper portion of the frame 1000.The door 1006 can be pulled out by hand. For example, a person can pullon the proximal end of the door. Alternatively, a motor may be mountedin the container or attached to the container and be operative to forcethe rolled up door out of the container.

The door is shown as being the same structure and function of a roll updoor of an industrial building. For example, commercial roll up doorssold under the trademark JANUS at janusintl.com.

The roll up door may roll up to the storage position or roll out to thedeployed position similar to the tonneau cover sold under the trademarkTruXedo Lo Pro Tonneau Cover or the BAK Revolver X2 Tonneau Cover.

Referring now to FIG. 37 , the door may be rolled out to the deployedposition. The door may extend to the top rear edge portion of the frame.The door can be locked with a lock in the closed position. The back ofthe frame is enclosed by the door which is currently shown in the openedposition.

Referring now to FIGS. 38-46 , another embodiment is shown.

Referring now to FIG. 39 , the truck bed may have a frame 2000. Asshown, the frame 2000 may be a frame shown in Ser. No. 16/536,753, filedon Aug. 9, 2019. Or, the frame 2000 may be a frame shown in Ser. No.16/583,102, filed on Sep. 25, 2019. The frame 2000 refers to thosetubular parts or members that support a truck bed cover.

The entire contents of Ser. Nos. 16/536,753 and 16/583,102 areincorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 42 , a roll up door may be disposed in a container2002.

Referring now to FIG. 44 , the door 2006 may be pulled out of thecontainer 2002 through the slot 2004. See FIG. 43 . The lateral sideportions 2008 of the door 2006 are disposed within a tongue or guide2010 formed in the upper portion of the frame 2000. The door 2006 can bepulled out by hand. For example, a person can pull on the proximal endof the door. Alternatively, a motor may be mounted in the container orattached to the container and be operative to force the rolled up doorout of the container.

Referring now to FIG. 45 , the back side of the frame may have flaps inwhich is the guide or groove 2010. The guide or groove 2010 alsoreceives the lateral side portions 2008 of the roll up door 2006 toguide it to the top edge 2014 of the tailgate, 2016 as shown in FIG. 46.

Referring now to FIG. 46 , the door 2006 can be rolled out to thedeployed position. The door extends to the top rear edge portion of thetailgate. The back of the frame is enclosed by the roll up door which iscurrently shown in the closed position.

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation.Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devisevariations that are within the scope and spirit of the inventiondisclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodimentsdisclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with eachother and are not intended to be limited to the specific combinationdescribed herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited bythe illustrated embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A truck with a collapsible shell, the truckcomprising: the truck having a cab defining a roof and a truck beddefining first and second sidewalls and a tailgate; the collapsibleshell having: a plurality of first frames telescoping with respect toeach other, the plurality of first frames being mounted to the firstsidewall, the plurality of first frames being traversable between astored position wherein the plurality of first frames are retracted withrespect to each other and a deployed position wherein the plurality offirst frames are extended out with respect to each other; a plurality ofsecond frames telescoping with respect to each other, the plurality ofsecond frames being mounted to the second sidewall, the plurality ofsecond frames being traversable between a stored position wherein theplurality of second frames are retracted to each other and a deployedposition wherein the plurality of second frames are extended out witheach other; a cover that is traversable between a stored position and anextended position wherein in the stored position, the cover is disposedadjacent to the roof of the cab and in the extended position, the coveris engaged to the plurality of first and second frames to form anenclosed space at the bed of the truck; a plurality of panels, eachpanel being attachable to the first and second frame to provide abarrier; wherein when the cover is in the stored position and theplurality of first and second frames are in the stored position, a fulllength of the truck bed is usable, when the cover is in the extendedposition and the plurality of first and second frames are in theextended position, the shell forms a covered interior volume over thetruck bed.
 2. The truck of claim 1 further comprising: first and secondtracks mounted to the first and second sidewalls; a plurality of firstand second sliders mounted to the plurality of first and second frames,the plurality of first and second sliders slidably engaged to the firstand second tracks.
 3. The truck of claim 1 wherein the plurality offirst and second frames are panels.
 4. The truck of claim 3 furthercomprising: first and second tracks mountable to the first and secondsidewalls; a plurality of first and second sliders mounted to theplurality of first and second frames, the plurality of first and secondsliders being slidably engaged to the first and second tracks duringuse.
 5. The truck of claim 3 wherein the plurality of first and secondframes are panels.
 6. A truck with a collapsible shell, the truckcomprising: the truck having a cab defining a roof and a truck beddefining first and second sidewalls and a tailgate; the collapsibleshell having: a plurality of first frames telescoping with respect toeach other, the plurality of first frames being mounted to the firstsidewall, the plurality of first frames being traversable between astored position wherein the plurality of first frames are retracted withrespect to each other and a deployed position wherein the plurality offirst frames are extended out with respect to each other; a plurality ofsecond frames telescoping with respect to each other, the plurality ofsecond frames being mounted to the second sidewall, the plurality ofsecond frames being traversable between a stored position wherein theplurality of second frames are retracted to each other and a deployedposition wherein the plurality of second frames are extended out witheach other; a cover that is traversable between a stored position and anextended position wherein in the stored position, the cover is disposedadjacent to the roof of the cab and in the extended position, the coveris engaged to the plurality of first and second frames to form anenclosed space at the bed of the truck; wherein when the cover is in thestored position and the plurality of first and second frames are in thestored position, a full length of the truck bed is usable, when thecover is in the extended position and the plurality of first and secondframes are in the extended position, the shell forms a covered interiorvolume over the truck bed; a shield disposed over the cover when thecover is in the stored position over the roof of the cab.
 7. The truckof claim 6 wherein the shield is traversable between an open positionand a use position wherein in the open position, the cover istraversable from the stored position to the extended position and in thestored position, the cover provides an aerodynamic shield for the coverwhen the cover is in the stored position.
 8. The truck of claim 6wherein the shield is rotatably attached to the roof of the cab.
 9. Atruck with a collapsible shell, the truck comprising: the truck having acab defining a roof and a truck bed defining first and second sidewallsand a tailgate; the collapsible shell having: a plurality of firstframes telescoping with respect to each other, the plurality of firstframes being mounted to the first sidewall, the plurality of firstframes being traversable between a stored position wherein the pluralityof first frames are retracted with respect to each other and a deployedposition wherein the plurality of first frames are extended out withrespect to each other; a plurality of second frames telescoping withrespect to each other, the plurality of second frames being mounted tothe second sidewall, the plurality of second frames being traversablebetween a stored position wherein the plurality of second frames areretracted to each other and a deployed position wherein the plurality ofsecond frames are extended out with each other; a cover that istraversable between a stored position and an extended position whereinin the stored position, the cover is disposed adjacent to the roof ofthe cab and in the extended position, the cover is engaged to theplurality of first and second frames to form an enclosed space at thebed of the truck; wherein when the cover is in the stored position andthe plurality of first and second frames are in the stored position, afull length of the truck bed is usable, when the cover is in theextended position and the plurality of first and second frames are inthe extended position, the shell forms a covered interior volume overthe truck bed; a plurality of panels, each panel being attachable to thefirst and second frame to provide a barrier.
 10. A truck with acollapsible shell, the truck comprising: the truck having a cab defininga roof and a truck bed defining first and second sidewalls and atailgate; the collapsible shell having: a plurality of first framestelescoping with respect to each other, the plurality of first framesbeing mounted to the first sidewall, the plurality of first frames beingtraversable between a stored position wherein the plurality of firstframes are retracted with respect to each other and a deployed positionwherein the plurality of first frames are extended out with respect toeach other; a plurality of second frames telescoping with respect toeach other, the plurality of second frames being mounted to the secondsidewall, the plurality of second frames being traversable between astored position wherein the plurality of second frames are retracted toeach other and a deployed position wherein the plurality of secondframes are extended out with each other; a cover that is traversablebetween a stored position and an extended position wherein in the storedposition, the cover is disposed adjacent to the roof of the cab and inthe extended position, the cover is engaged to the plurality of firstand second frames to form an enclosed space at the bed of the truck;wherein when the cover is in the stored position and the plurality offirst and second frames are in the stored position, a full length of thetruck bed is usable, when the cover is in the extended position and theplurality of first and second frames are in the extended position, theshell forms a covered interior volume over the truck bed; a shieldattachable to the cab and disposable over the cover when the cover is inthe stored position over the roof of the cab during use.
 11. The truckof claim 10 wherein the shield is traversable between an open positionand a use position during use wherein in the open position during use,the cover is traversable from the stored position to the extendedposition and in the stored position during use, the cover provides anaerodynamic shield for the cover when the cover is in the storedposition.
 12. The truck of claim 10 wherein the shield is rotatablyattached to the roof of the cab during use of the collapsible shell. 13.A collapsible shell attachable to a truck, the collapsible shellcomprising: a plurality of first frames telescoping with respect to eachother, the plurality of first frames being mountable to a first sidewallof a bed of the truck, the plurality of first frames being traversablebetween a stored position wherein the plurality of first frames areretracted with respect to each other and a deployed position wherein theplurality of first frames are extended out with respect to each other; aplurality of second frames telescoping with respect to each other, theplurality of second frames being mountable to a second sidewall of thebed of the truck, the plurality of second frames being traversablebetween a stored position wherein the plurality of second frames areretracted with respect to each other and a deployed position wherein theplurality of second frames are extended out with respect to each other;a cover that is traversable between a stored position and an extendedposition wherein in the stored position, the cover is disengaged fromthe plurality of first and second frames, and in the extended position,the cover is engaged to the plurality of first and second frames to forman enclosed space at the bed of the truck; wherein when the cover is inthe stored position and the plurality of first and second frames are inthe stored position during use, a full length of the truck bed isaccessible, when the cover is in the extended position and the pluralityof first and second frames are in the extended position during use, theshell forms a covered interior volume over the truck bed, and when thecover is in the stored position and the plurality of first and secondframes are in the extended position, the shell defines an open topvolume over the truck bed.
 14. A truck comprising: a cab having a roof;a truck bed coupled to the cab, the truck bed having first and secondsidewalls and a tailgate; and a collapsible shell having: a plurality offirst frames moveable with respect to each other, the plurality of firstframes being mounted to the first sidewall, the plurality of firstframes being traversable between a stored position, wherein theplurality of first frames are retracted with respect to each other, anda deployed position wherein the plurality of first frames are extendedout with respect to each other; a plurality of second frames moveablewith respect to each other, the plurality of second frames being mountedto the second sidewall, the plurality of second frames being traversablebetween a stored position, wherein the plurality of second frames areretracted to each other, and a deployed position wherein the pluralityof second frames are extended out with each other; and a covertraversable between a stored position and an extended positionregardless of whether the first and second frames are in the deployed orstored position, the cover engaged to the plurality of first and secondframes when the cover is in the extended position and disengaged to theplurality of first and second frames when the cover is in the storedposition.
 15. The truck of claim 14 wherein when the cover is in thestored position and the plurality of first and second frames are in thestored position, a full length of the truck bed is usable, and when thecover is in the extended position and the plurality of first and secondframes are in the extended position, the collapsible shell forms acovered interior volume over the truck bed.
 16. The truck of claim 14wherein each of the plurality of first frames extending from the firstsidewall to define a first frame height, the first frame height of theplurality of first frames being non-uniform, and each of the pluralityof second frames extending from the second sidewall to define a secondframe height, the second frame height of the plurality of second framesbeing non-uniform.
 17. The truck of claim 14 wherein the cover extendsbetween the first and second frames.